LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

Project Information

While perusing some dovetailing websites a few days back I came across a particular hand tool on Rob Cosman's site, which he sells to assist with the completion of the saw kerf cut prior to chopping the waste out on half lap dovetails, such as on drawer fronts, as shown in the test piece in photo 5 above.

Below is the tool Rob sells on his site. He refers to it as a Kerf X -10.



There did not seem much to it and it could prove a useful hand tool in the future so I thought I would give it a go at making my own. It was surprisingly simple to make. I bought a small 8" back saw for £2.49. + shipping of a similar amount as the donor tool.



I only required the plate and the brass spine so the saw nuts were salvaged and set aside for another project.

I cut out the plate and brass spine with a 4" grinder as can be seen in photo 6 above. I then formed a small 1/4" tapered tenon using the grinder.

.

I had bought a box full of discarded bubinga tool handles at a woodworking show several year so ago for a couple of quid. I still had a few left. The handles had been discarded because the holes had been drilled off centre. This flaw actually suited my need as it would mean less grinding on my part to,eunsure the top of the spine was level with the ferrule on the handle. More for aesthetic than anything else.

.

It was just a case of tapping the tenon into the handle then securing it with a two part expoxy. A quick polish at the mop then I was done. Made in about 90 mins, well,worth the effort I think?

I made it to the same dimensions as the tool listed on Robs web page. Thanks Rob. The blade is 2 3/4" long x 3/4" deep, overall about 7".

I think I actually prefer the look of mine, of course I would say that.

Thanks for looking

David.

Gallery

Comments

· Registered
Joined
·
370 Posts
That not only looks great but will also do the business! It's very satisfying to make your own tools and put them to good use. What tooth pattern did you create?
Jim
 

· Registered
Joined
·
585 Posts
Always nice to make tools that you will use.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
6,272 Posts
Once again pal you've outdone yourself….The saw kerf tool looks great….You've really gotten into the saw business….and making this one yourself is a winner….Nice going, friend, and keep up the good work…..!!
 

· Registered
Joined
·
1,434 Posts
Nice creative tool.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
668 Posts
That not only looks great but will also do the business! It's very satisfying to make your own tools and put them to good use. What tooth pattern did you create?
Jim

- Jim Rowe
Hi Jim, it's actually just filed flat, the idea being the blade is inserted into the kerf cut and tapped down with a mallet, separating the fibres down to the scribe line.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
668 Posts
Always nice to make tools that you will use.

- ralbuck
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Much appreciated.

David
 

· Registered
Joined
·
668 Posts
Once again pal you ve outdone yourself….The saw kerf tool looks great….You ve really gotten into the saw business….and making this one yourself is a winner….Nice going, friend, and keep up the good work…..!!

- Rick Dennington
Hey Amigo, thanks for taking the time to comment, mate. Just need to,start cutting some half laps to use it on. Lol.

David
 

· Registered
Joined
·
668 Posts
Thanks all for taking the time to look and comment. It looks like the post made it to #1.

Thanks again all.

David
 

· Registered
Joined
·
19,753 Posts
Interesting but I'm not really clear what this is supposed to do?
 

· Registered
Joined
·
668 Posts
Interesting but I m not really clear what this is supposed to do?

- a1Jim
As mentioned in my post - when cutting stopped dovetails, such as in a drawer front, the saw Kerf will be at 45 degrees to the face of the drawer. To make chopping of the waste simple, insert the blade of the tool into the kerf cut and tap down. This will sever the wood fibres and so ensure the kerf cut is now parallel with the face of the drawer. If still intrigued then have a look on Rob Cosman website. He has a video of the tool in action.
 

· Banned
Joined
·
5,339 Posts
this is one wonderful tool David would work on other things also GREAT JOB :<))) GRATZ TOP 3
 

· Registered
Joined
·
19,753 Posts
Thanks for the info Bluekingfisher
 

· Registered
Joined
·
668 Posts
this is one wonderful tool David would work on other things also GREAT JOB :<))) GRATZ TOP 3

- GR8HUNTER
Thank you, I'm glad you like it.

David
 

· In Loving Memory
Joined
·
10,409 Posts
Nice job and congratulations on your 'Daily Top 3' award.
 
Top